24 Aug
Please sign the petition to remove this lovely shirt from Zazzle telling girls “It’s better to look good than to feel good.” Yet another example of societies insanity.
Actually, not really.
26 Jul
Saw this one coming a mile away. Particularly since Kate, The Dutchess of Cambridge, seems to be shrinking by the day (let’s hope its stress). Turns our the Pro-anas are all over the sisters, glomming on to them as their fresh new “thinspo” material (at least that is what the media is shrieking).
Odd thing is I searched for 15 minutes before writing this post for a video, proana site, or thinspo crap channel and I could not find ONE thing stated, noted, or expressed about Kate and Pippa.
So is this one hype or the typical situation of the media planting seeds for our dear proana community to glom on to? Either way, does it even matter at this point? Does anyone even care that there are MILLIONS of girls out there touting “Anorexia as a lifestyle.”
I found that answer many, many years ago – five to be exact, and the answer is a big fat NO. This culture is instead very interested in sensationalizing the whole thing, or of course banding together to “SHUT THE PRO ANA SITES DOWN.” Oh, yeah, that’s gonna do it. It takes what…five minutes to put up a new site or Facebook page?
We need to face this head on. We need to face the fact that every woman on the planet would like to be as thin as Kate and Pippa. Most actually spend the vast majority of their time longing to look like a waif. This is nothing new, and its no where near getting better, so what to do?
For me, I just need to rant about it a bit and get it out of my system, then I can move on with my day. How about you?
mV
24 May
Not all — but a large population of today’s eating disorders stem from our societies focus on body image and weight.
We accept the fact that “Plus-Sized” models are now size 8-16. We accept the fact that magazines airbrush the living crap out of every single image of women within their pages yet we hold ourselves up to that standard. We accept the fact that kids as young as 4 are dieting (yes that is a f-o-u-r). We accept the fact that more lives are lost because of eating disorders than any other mental illness but God forbid we fork over the $ to treat sufferers. We accept the fact that Pro-Anorexia is a lifestyle that has infiltrated every corner of the web and our solution is to “Shut down those sites!” We accept the fact that dieting moms push their issues on their daughters. We accept the fact that sports require restricting food and water for weight requirements and pure vanity. We accept the fact that fat chat is a daily event that takes place in front of our children with listening ears.
What’s wrong with our children? Why are they not happy? Why are they cutting? Why is there so much bullying? Why did that child commit suicide?
It all comes as a shock when you don’t open your eyes and walk around this insane planet for one day and notice how totally destructive our society is to our self image and body image.
Do it — I double dare you. Watch prime-time TV tonight. Google the word “thinspiration.” Open a fashion magazine, pick one, anyone and see the walking dead who are hailed the closest thing to perfect that we’ve ever seen. Browse this list of dead women consumed by their disease. Look at the athletes lost who were more dedicated to their sport than their lives. Take a stroll into Victoria Secret at the mall (actually you don’t even need to step inside since the massive promotional images on the outside of the store include a woman’s ass in a lace thong which is so appropriate).
Then go about your lovely little day. Concerned about your lovely little problems. While your children stick their fingers down their throats within earshot while you pretend to not notice. A burden you say. A frickin burden.
mamaV
XOXOXOXOX
**Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, psychiatrist, therapist or counselor. I am however a woman who has recovered (fully) from her eating disorder and I have been blogging on this topic since 2006 which stands for something. Qualified to make these statements? No. Making them anyway? Yes. Ranking like a lunatic? Absolutely.
4 Jun
It seems “eating less” is cool these days according to Urban Outfitters. I guess it’s their hip and trendy response to the whole “obesity crisis” but perhaps they should ponder the repercussions of placing this shirt in their stores modeled by a pale skinny chick (that kind of looks stoned).
Irresponsible as hell.
On their web site, this is how they describe the product;
“Eat less or more or however much you’d like in this seriously soft knit tee cut long and topped with a v-neck.” Perhaps they should have printed all of that on there.
Whatever.
22 Apr
WARNING: I DO NOT DO TRIGGER WARNINGS.
For 4 years I have been attempting to educate the public, parents, mental health professionals and anyone else that will listen about pro-anorexia.
Pro-anorexia is the belief that “anorexia is a lifestyle.” Google the terms “proana,” “thinspo” to be sickened. On YouTube, an average of five videos per day are uploaded filled with images, music, and mantras all meant to keep these proana girls motivated on their goal to starve themselves to be like the Hollywood stars they admire.
Most people turn away and tell me “I can’t handle that, but guess what, we must. Others tell me I should be softer, and nicer to celebs who pave the way for girls. Ain’t happenin’
Check out these links to get a sense of what I am talking about here:
24 Nov
I am saddened and amazed that no matter what I write about, my web statistics on this blog and my collective body image blog WeAreTheRealDeal.com show that the Number #1 search term is…..
PRO ANA
And variations of Pro Ana as you can see below. WTF? (Of course the beloved Nicole still pops up).
So, since this tells me many proana girls are here, let’s have a chat. It’s been awhile. For those of you that are new, like those I connected with on Twitter recently, here’s the brief history about this blog 2006-present:
-Started this blog to talk about how shitty the modeling industry is, and try to knock some sense into the girls chasing the proana dream.
-Got really, really pissed off over ANTM show, and blew my stack on my first youtube video (most asked question about my vlogs? Why am I in my car? Here’s the answer for the curious).
-Proceeded to stalk emerse myself in the proana online culture to really, really get a true sense of what was happening “out there.” News articles either skimmed the surface or exploited the whole trend, so I wanted to dig in.
-My plan was to educate parents, but the blog itself dictated its path (those of you who are bloggers will understand this, blogs are best when you let them go the way the wind blows). But I found the site community was mostly girls and young women. Hmm…. I thought. I’ve tapped into something here.
-With that revelation, I instead focused on trying to be a voice of reason for pro ana girls (and women, moms, TV anchors, teachers …….yes I have been contacted by ALL of the above either for advice, or for requests to pull their picture off my site before they lose their job.
-Plus, I figure; why go after the parents to educate when you are all old enough and smart enough to figure out if you want to live a real life, or go down in proana flames of hell. Right?
-I got fired up, continually wrote posts based on my observation, and to date these two posts get the most traffic (again, not in my plan but reality bites);
Pro Ana Privacy part 1 / Pro Ana Privacy part 2
This post is read obsessvely, obviously because I posted a bunch of public pictures from ProAna websites and everyone freaked (no I never, ever trolled or faked to be a member to grab images — these were on the public web, unmoderated, and free for the taking).
The lesson? This is the world wide web kids — you take a picture of yourself in your undies in your bathroom, slap it online for your proana friends to stroke your self-confidence, and BAM–next thing you know some whack job mom blogger has it splashed all over the place).
Before Twitter, and still today I guess, Pro Ana Live Journal was the place to be if you wanted to talk about your crisis over eating half an Oreo and three extra celery sticks. PALJ have had all sorts of mods over the years, some completely out of their minds, others teaching the CR lifestyle, and a few with actual good intentions of being a source of “help” for those with anorexia.
But at the end of the day, this shit kills.
Image Credit: http://thekristiproject.webs.com/
Enter Kristi Lanford. A moderator who decided to document the end of her life online. Scary part was and is, many of us watched it happen — live. I never, ever want to experience something like this again. I hope you will read the last moments of her life here, perhaps Kristi will now save a few lives by taking her own. As you will read, Kristi was depressed, drinking, pill popping, and watching Skinny Celebrities as she went off to hopefully a new better place. An online memorial for Kristi was created by her friend “K” and can be viewed here. In K’s words, here is how Kristi’s passing impacted her;
On January 27th, 2007, Kristi took her own life, choosing to document the final moments of her life. There was shock, followed by sadness, followed by anger, followed by guilt, followed by emotions that I never wanted to feel; emotions that I didn’t know existed. There were moments where I beat myself up for not signing online sooner, not calling her just to check up on her, not doing something that could have saved her life. I, like so many others, regret not reaching out to help her more. It takes time to let those feelings go, it takes time to let the death of someone that you love so much go.
So there you have it – Pro Ana, the lifestyle!*
Somehow, somewhere, I became the resident expert on proanorexia as it pertains to the internet usage, history, sites, language, etc. I’ll take that title. At least I know that while I post triggering thinspo — I also have got you where I want you, and that is listening to one voice — at least one voice that may in fact instead “trigger” your common sense.
My hope is that it saves your life.
-mamaV
*Kristi’s friends have been adamant that she was not “pro ana.” I have a different opinion on where Kristi was in her head, mostly based upon the way she died, so I wanted to point out this important detail out of respect for K and her other friends.
2 Jan
This is an image from a Tokyo Fashion Magazine.
Fact or Fiction?
Photoshopped or Real?
Does it really even matter either way?
The fact is it is in print, and therefore it is real. The image exists, and the message is clear, isn’t it girls.
2008 is off to a great frickin’ start.
-mamaV
Taken from: Numéro Tokyo Magazine (February 2008 issue)
Photo: René Habermacher and Jannis Tsipoulanis
4 Dec
Size 0 is now available in pill form! Just pop one, I mean four, of these little beauties a day and you too can look like a zombie runway model.
This simply fabulous breakthrough secret is contained in a dainty little black box, with the answer to happiness plastered front and center just in case you forgot that anything above a size zero is, well, eeewwww.
Brought to you by your friendly mall vitamin store GNC, the leaders in converting lard asses nationwide, into “Hot, Radiant, Alluring, Elegant & Beautiful” creatures.
Just a few silly warnings, pay no mind:
Not intended for use by individuals under the age of 18 (but what about my 10 year old daughter who is dieting with me?)
Consult with a physician prior to, during and after use (I’ll get right on that)
If you are taking any prescription medication or have any medical condition (wait, that eliminates 99% of the population)
If you have been treated for or diagnosed with, or have a family history of, any medical condition including, but not limited to:high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, peptic and gastric ulcers, cardiac arrhythmia, renal disease, hyperthyroidism, spasms, glaucoma, psychiatric disease, psychological conditions, anxiety, depression, nervousness, seizure disorder, stroke, angina, diabetes, asthma, suffer from migraines, are allergic to tyramine or chocolate or sensitive to the effects of caffeine (that eliminates the other 1% of us)
Do not take in conjunction with any supplement or over-the-counter drug containing ephedrine alkaloids, caffeine, pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine or any stimulants. One serving of this product contains approximately as much caffeine as two cups of coffee (catch a buzz off the stuff simultaneously, I like it).
Do not use if you have a history of drug use. Do not use with alcohol (I’m out)
Do not use during high intensity activities in high temperature conditions (exercise not allowed.)
Discontinue use and consult a physician immediately if you experience any of the following: nervousness, sleeplessness, dizziness, cardiac irregularities or rapid heart beat, shortness of breath, tremors, nausea, chest pain, tingling sensations, behavioral changes, loss of consciousness, or other similar symptoms (any one still alive?)
NOTE: The product name Size 0 does not depict the amount of weight loss or clothing size goals that will be achieved with use of this product. Individual results will vary depending of body type and fitness goals.
Manufactured Exclusively for Size 0 Labs
3133 Fortune Way Suite #4 (nice address)
Well, since this one won’t do the trick for me, I’ll pop some “clen.”
Never heard of it? Get with the program man, they’ve been vaccinating horses with it for years.
We are one desperate bunch ladies, and I don’t see any light at the end of this tunnel.
mamaV
30 Nov
Pro anorexia sites are running rampant. We must shut them down quickly and swiftly to save society!
Microsoft steps in and shuts down pro anorexia sites, without a court order. YouTube and Facebook are under the microscope too.
What genius is still beating on this dead drum?
Don’t tell anyone…but it takes about 5 minutes to set up a new site…hehe…the pro ana’s have their sites back up and running before you can blink.
Even more scary is there is no logic to this madness. I overuse this phrase, but I like it; nothing like sticking your head in the sand. And since everyone got really fired up the last time I posted this picture, let’s post it again just for shits and giggles.
A few stats, which are growing as I type this:
Google “pro ana” to view over 5 million results
YouTube “thinspiration” hauls in well over 5000 full length videos, a total of 8 uploaded TODAY.
ProAnaThinspo is just an unbelieveable mashup of thin bodies, body parts, stars and real girls that will blow your mind.
How about we face reality think about what the hell we have created here.
On second thought, that sounds like a lot of time and energy. Let’s stick with ‘out of sight, out of mind,’ it’s a lot more convenient, plus I have a lot of shit to buy before Christmas.
-mamaV
27 Nov
Since Pro Ana Privacy is the most visited post these days, I figured it was time for another go around. Especially since I can really feel the love in the comments.
For what it’s worth; I heard a story on the radio that I wanted to share.
A talented young woman recently applied for a job just after she graduated from college. A dream job really, everything she ever wanted. Mom and Dad were so proud.
Little did she know that some pictures that she uploaded to the web many years prior would come back to haunt her.
One in a bikini.
Several in her underwear.
One doing a frickin’ back-bend in her undies.
Not good. No job. Worst of all? No way to remove them – ever.
This thing is permanent girls. It’s called the world wide web and once you CHOOSE to serve yourself up for the taking, you are gone, your privacy is gone, and your future opportunities are at stake.
Think about it next time you want to ask one of your dear ana friends “Do I look fat?”
-mamaV
24 Nov
Hila weighed 60 pounds. My 7 1/2 year old daughter weighs 50.
A fashion model stricken with an all too familiar disease of anorexia. But this time, a friend was at her side. Adi Barkan documented Hila’s struggle, and sent shock waves out to the fashion world, by showing the reality of this situation in one still photograph.
Fashion photographer Adi Barkan is shown cradling Hila Elmalich in a still from a video shot when the model fell ill. (Gil Sadan/Tamar Golan Film)
There’s not much more to say here. Either the fashion industry is going to step up to the plate and make changes, or they are going to continue on their merry way in this deadly game they are playing.
You know what I thought when I saw this photograph?
How, for the love of god, can one be a part of an industry so full of themselves? How do you sit in an audience and stare up at these young women who are clearly not well, and focus on the clothing? Why do clothes, and prestige, and beauty mean this much in our society?
Bless Mr. Barkan’s heart for leading the effort in Israel to change fashion standards for the past three years. Your friend will not die in vain, she will be with you as you carry on in her name.
-mamaV
6 Sep
5 Jun
Nicole Richie is THE pro-anorexia idol. Her anorexic frame graces more thinspiration pages then I care to count, so I thought I should understand a bit about the person behind the fame.
I happened to read a Vanity Fair article about her over the weekend. What a sad little girl. During her short life, she was bounced from home to home, and learned to be a con-artist in the process. She was a heroin addict when the opportunity to star in A Simple Life came her way. She cleaned herself up, only to drop to an alarmingly thin weight (perhaps to snag some attention from her co-host Paris Hilton).
So why all the fuss about Nicole? I will say she has a cool sense of style, and her petite look is attractive. However, every picture of her I see only loneliness and despair. She admits outright she doesn’t want to be a role model, nor is she equipped to be one at this point in her twenty-something life, but yet she is one whether she likes it or not.
When you look at her, do you really admire her? Or is it her anorexic body you admire?
Picture courtesy of Francas
I look at this picture, and I see fear, and a little girl wanting to be someone else. What do you see?
-mamaV
26 Apr
I thought we’d take a trip down avatar lane to catch a glimpse of the latest and greatest pro-ana creativity on the scene.
For those of you who don’t know what an “avatar” is, its the small image online users create to represent themselves. This image can be a real picture of yourself, or something you think is funny or cute.
In the case of proana’s their avatars are generally someone other than themselves since they hold models and stars up as gods.
That just about covers it. In the land of the free, and the home of the brave, we spend our time analyzing pictures of models and Hollywood stars, crying out for support because we binged on 600 calories today. Yep, that’s the life we have created and we are sticking to it.
Your daughters are on a death march, and they are damn determined. They are dropping like flies, and we all go about our day as if this is all fine and normal.
Our society has penetrated their brains since birth making sure they understand they are to be the pretty ones, the dress up doll twirling to the delight of onlookers. They have grown up watching their mothers diet obsessions, spewing hatred to all the skinny bitches in the neighborhood.
We send them out into the world to fend for themselves, armed with nothing but empty souls and a burning desire to be thin. They head off to school, all efforts focused on starving. If they ain’t an anorexic yet, god damn it, they will be. And no one is going to stop them. They have the right to live the Pro-Ana way.
Visit Google on any given night, type in Pro-Ana to find hundreds, if not thousands, of young people absorbed in the pro-ana underground community.
Its a lifestyle, all encompassing. Once Ana gets her grip on you, she digs her nails in for the long haul. Those who escape alive are considered the lucky ones.
And with that, I’ll say goodnight. I’ll expect to wake up to the usual pro-ana firing line tomorrow. Looking forward to it.
-mamaV
(one of the lucky ones)
PARENTS: YOU NEED TO KNOW IF YOUR CHILD IS VISITING PRO-ANOREXIA WEB SITES. REACH OUT TO ME FOR STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO FIND OUT WHAT THEY ARE DOING ONLINE.
2 Apr
It’s been a while since I checked out the ole’ YouTube Thinspo videos….so I went for a troll this morning. Consider the time and energy young women spend to create these videos, creatively adding music, screen fades, and proanorexia text.
(PARENTS: DON’T LOOK AWAY THESE ARE REAL IMAGES……Yes, the Mary Kate and Ashley images says “I can be like them)
Pro-Anorexia = Trend in young women and men to be anorexic.
Ana & Mia = Code names for Pro Anorexia and Pro Bulimia
Thinspiration = A term used to describe pictures that help pro-anorexics stay on track with their goal to starve themselves.
Red Bracelet = A sign proanorexic’s were to identify to others of their clan. A status symbol of the pro-anorexia moment.
Think about the passion behind this video…this girl really had to pour her sad and lonely heart into this one.
Today’s Thinspiration Video is compliments of someone who calls herself “mamapapa” and choose the song “Save Me.” Think this her not so subtle a cry for help?
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gN9YSj9jxpA]
30 Jan
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